IU School of Social Work Dean Emeritus and faculty member Dr. Michael Patchner and Dr. Lisa Patchner are tireless advocates for people with disabilities. Inspired by nearly 31 years of providing love and care for their son, Christopher, who had severe developmental disabilities, they created the Patchner Family Endowment in 2010. Through their planned gift, a Practice Skills Lab at the School of Social Work will be established. Now, countless social work students have received encouragement and financial support to pursue disabilities as a future area of practice. The couple championed Senate Bill 516, giving guardians 60 days after a loved one dies to obtain health records. Their two years of lobbying culminated in the bill’s passage when it became law on July 1, 2017.
Mike received the Spirit of Service Award from Catholic Charities Indianapolis and was recognized for his many contributions to IU and the IU School of Social Work with the President’s Bicentennial Medal of Excellence, IUPUI Chancellor’s Medallion, and the IU Presidential Medal of Excellence. Lisa was an associate professor at Ball State University, served on the Catholic Charities Indianapolis board, and currently sits on the board of directors of Catholic Radio Indy. Both served as leaders of the Council on Social Work Education. Their love of the outdoors motivated them to begin their current venture, Covenant Hill Farm, a social enterprise for their grandson and local community.
